The DWP has issued a warning after a new cost of living scam emerged, trying to steal the bank details of vulnerable people.
It is a text message scam sent to mobile phones which states that the recipient is entitled to a £750 “Living Payment”.
Britons are then prompted to “take action” by clicking the associated link to enter their personal details to receive payment.
Once scammers have access to someone’s personal details, they are left susceptible to fraud and their bank accounts could be drained.
Britons should contact their bank right away if they suspect a scammer has access to their banking information.
The full-text message said: “GOV: The £750.00 (GBP) Living Payment is ready, take action by accepting the payment via legalaid.income-division.com.”
If anyone receives a message like this, it is advised they send it to 7726.
7726 is a number that most mobile customers using UK networks can text to report unwanted SMS messages or phone calls on a mobile.
People can send fraudulent emails to [email protected], and free scam text texts can be forwarded to 7726.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has said it will never email or text people seeking personal information.
A DWP spokesperson said: “All Cost of Living payments are sent out automatically and directly to those eligible, and customers do not need to apply or contact the Government at any stage.
“If you have had a message asking you to apply, accept or contact someone about the payment, this might be a scam.”
The DWP is also reminding anyone due a Cost of Living payment that they don’t need to apply for it or take any action, as all payments are made automatically to their bank account.
So far, the DWP has issued two out of three cost-of-living payments this financial year.
Those eligible should have already received their first Cost of Living payment, worth £301, between April and May 2023.
If someone hasn’t had it and thinks they’re eligible for it, they can contact the DWP directly.
The second Cost of Living payment of £300 is due in autumn 2023, with a third Cost of Living payment, of £299, coming in spring 2024.
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